The Oviedo Old Prison building is located in the district of Ciudad Naranco. It can be identified by the dome, the central roof of the "star" formed by the prison's wings.

It was built between 1886 and 1905 in what was then the suburban slum of Ferreros. Opened in 1907, the building corresponds to what is known as the panopticon model (widespread type of prison design in the 19th century) with a polygonal roundabout or central hub intended for surveillance purposes, from which radiates a radial structure outlining a five-pointed star which housed the wings. The building has three floors and the central hub is closed off with a decagonal tower topped with a dome with a lantern.

The entire building is surrounded by a wall, with a walkway and round, crenellated look-out posts on the corners. The administrative pavilion was built outside.